Exotics at home in the wetlands

Many Metallic Starlings (Aplornis metallica) flashing low through Tyto's lowering skies these days but had to journey slightly east on Ingham to get closeup of bird (above) on edge of social nesting area in large rain tree.

Meanwhile, back in the wetlands, Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) balance briefly on fence dividing Tyto from suburbia. Unfit to be pictured in such company, Mr Ugly, male Muscovy, in sole possession of front pools, will keep for another day.  
Click pix to enlarge

Thick-knees stand up to pesky peafowl

Rare standoff pits Bush Thick-knees (Burhinus grallarius) against possibly predatory or maybe merely inquisitive Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in Ingham suburbia beside Tyto Wetlands yesterday. 

Flurry of wings followed before intruder departed to its own backyard nearby and left junior in relative safety.


Thick-knees are endangered in southern Australia but more than cope against cats, dogs, snakes and other birds here in the north. What's missing here? Foxes. Too simple? Yes, but I'd argue a big factor.


And another thing: Blogger in draft image uploads out today for two hours. Back up, and insert problems worse than ever. Seems odd the generous giant can't get such little things right.


And reply to CygnetBurger: why not right click on the image, save it, resize it to suit and then do whatever you wish with it on Facebook? Willie awaits .   
Click pix to enlarge